The abundance, stability, and low toxicity of silicon, combined with the low cost of polysilicon relative to single crystals makes this variety of material attractive for photovoltaic production.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycrystalline_silicon_photovoltaics
According to SolarPanelCenter.net there are 4 types of solar panels, namely, Monocrystalline Silicon Panels, Polycrystalline Silicon Panels, String Ribbon Silicon Panels, and Amorphous Silicon Panels.
The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is influenced by factors such as the quality of the silicon used, the design of the panel, the amount of sunlight received, and the temperature at which the panels operate.
The efficiency of polycrystalline solar panels is influenced by factors such as the quality of the silicon material used, the design of the panel, the amount of sunlight received, and the temperature at which the panels operate.
There are a few different types of solar panel, for example Polycrystalline, Mono-crystalline, Amorphous or Hybrid. Amorphous provides the best efficiency in low light conditions but does result in larger panel sizes.
Monocrystalline solar panels are generally considered better than polycrystalline panels because they are more efficient and have a higher power output.
Polycrystalline and Mono-crystalline is the type of clay powder that is similar to the dust which sits on the solar panels.
Silicon
Simulant DiamondsIn solar cells... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycrystalline_silicon_photovoltaicsAlso Gate material in MOSFETS...
They are made of crystalline silicon.
Jerry Culik has written: 'Process research in polycrystalline silicon material (PROPSM)' -- subject(s): Silicon crystals, Solar batteries
Silicon is used for solar panels for strengthening purposes. Silicon is mined from sand which is virtually found everywhere. When sand is subjected to intense heat, one of the by products is usually silica.
Silicon exists in a crystalline solid form in nature, such as in the form of silicon dioxide (silica) which is found in quartz. It can also be produced synthetically in various forms including polycrystalline silicon used in solar panels, amorphous silicon used in electronics, and as silicon carbide which is a very hard material used in abrasives.